Now it’s time to go from top scorers and efficient playmakers to the clutch gene with our next two players. First, McAlester was able to take down Broken Bow 68-63 in overtime to improve to 1-1 on the season. But we almost didn’t see overtime. Senior forward Cole Allen Cole Allen 6'5" | SG McAlester | 2023 State OK would knock down a three-pointer at the buzzer to end regulation and send the game into the extra period. From there, the Buffaloes would roll and get out with a win. Allen, in addition to hitting the big shot at the end of regulation, finished with a team-high 26 points and also grabbed 14 rebounds. Allen moving to McAlester definitely gives the Buffaloes a boost and they’ll be a team to watch this week in the Tahlequah tournament.

A newcomer to the school from nearby small town Pittsburgh, Allen should form a dynamic scoring duo with Holiman. He’s a versatile wing scorer with the size and craftiness to finish well inside. While also having the ability to knock down open three pointers or create space for his shot with midrange jumpers. It’s a big jump from Oklahoma’s smallest classification (B) to 5A, but Allen is no stranger to competition. As this past spring and summer, he routinely shined on the regional grassroots circuits against competition levels more talented than Class B. So the 2023 prospect should be poised to adjust to the level, and become an impact scorer and overall player in Class 5A.

A familiar name in a new place is senior forward Cole Allen Cole Allen 6'5" | SG McAlester | 2023 State OK . We got to see the lanky wing quite a bit throughout the offseason while his team played in several events on the Prep Hoops Circuit. Now we’re seeing him take his game up a level as he moved this offseason from Pittsburg to McAlester. Allen has been a player that has always seemed to shine, no matter what the competition was. So now that he’s at McAlester, playing against bigger competition and in a class in 5A that is incredibly talented at the top, we’re looking forward to seeing how he embraces his new role. The Buffaloes have turned into a team to watch in Class 5A and they have a good amount of talent coming back, plus the addition of Allen. He’s definitely another name that should have been on this list the last time around and we’re looking forward to seeing what he does this winter. He could be another 2023 prospect that ends up blowing up among the small colleges in the region with a good senior season.